Method and system for initiating and/or conducting a transaction that is associated with at least two corresponding declarations of intent

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method and a system for initiating and/or conducting a transaction that is associated with at least two corresponding declarations of intent, in particular a payment transaction, between at least two transaction parties via a processing unit ( 3 ), in which payment transaction at least one of the transaction parties uses a land line telephone or mobile telephone ( 1, 2 ) or a mobile communications device for transmitting data. The method is characterized by the transmission of data to the processing unit by at least two transaction parties within a limited time frame, and by the fact that the initiation of the data transmission of these transaction parties is effected actively by the transaction parties and not by the processing unit ( 3 ), while the data transmitted during initiation contain features that enable correlating the declarations of intent with one another.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/548,492, filed Mar. 11, 2004, which is a U.S. National StageApplication of International Application No. PCT/EP04/02520, filed Mar.11, 2004, said patent applications hereby fully incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and a system for initiatingand/or conducting a transaction that is associated with at least twocorresponding declarations of intent, in particular a paymenttransaction, between at least two transaction parties via a processingunit, wherein at least one of the transaction parties uses a land linetelephone or mobile telephone or a mobile communication device fortransmitting data.

Payment transactions represent the main field of application of thepresent invention because of their frequency and commercialsignificance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several methods for conducting payment transactions with the aid of amobile telephone are known. The advantages of these methods aredescribed in e.g. DE19903822.

These methods are generally designed in such a way that the transactionparties exchange data with a processing unit or, optionally, with eachother.

In this connection, a distinction must be made between two types ofmethod, which are referred to in the following as “A-typestandard-compatible method” and “B-type future-dependent methods”.

“A-type standard-compatible methods” relate to those methods which canbe implemented with the entire currently installed base of mobiletelephones (i.e. with all or with the predominant majority of the mobiletelephones/SIM module chip cards in circulation according to the stateof the art) without necessitating the replacement or technicalmodification of said mobile telephones or SIM module chip cards.

“B-type future-dependent methods” relate to those methods that can onlybe implemented with special mobile telephones and SIM modules (generallyof the latest model) which are still only in limited circulation or willonly be marketed at a future point in time.

In type-B future-dependent methods the exchange of data generally occursfor at least one of the transaction parties via protocols and/or methodssuch as WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) or i-mode (predominantly incirculation in Japan), as well as via Java or SIM toolkit applicationsexecuted locally on a mobile telephone or SIM module chip card, theexchange of data occurring e.g. via GPRS (GSM Packet Radio Service).

A disadvantage of the type-B future-dependent methods is that they aredependent on the penetration and success of the technologicalinfrastructure upon which they are based. An operator that would like tointroduce such a method is faced with the choice of relying on a verysmall potential user basis or trying to induce potential users (e.g.with subsidies) to acquire new mobile telephone end devices. Thisrepresents a very large hurdle for the introduction of such a method.

Another disadvantage of the type-B future-dependent methods is that theycan generally only be implemented in mobile wireless networks of acertain standard (such as e.g. GSM) and not with simple land linetelephones.

In type-A standard-compatible methods the exchange of data generallyoccurs for at least one of the transaction parties via a live telephoneconnection with voice responses (e.g. by means of an IVR system(Interactive Voice Response)) and DTMF tone transmission (Dual ToneMulti-Frequency) or by SMS (Short Message System). These methods aregenerally effected through the transmission of the complete mobiletelephone number (ANI/MSISDN) or a unique alias from the payer and/orpayee to the payee and/or payer, the transmission of a permanently validPIN code from the payer to a processing unit for authentication and,optionally, the transmission of a temporarily valid TAN code as proof ofauthorization and payment from the processing unit to the payer and fromthe payer to the payee.

One of these methods, the so-called Paybox method, is known from thesecond example of DE 199 03 822. This method is briefly illustrated hereas an example of a type-A standard-compatible method:

The payer (called P in the following) first verbally transmits hismobile telephone number (ANI and/or MSISDN) or an alias clearlycorrelated to his mobile telephone number to the payee (recipient) (R).R then implicitly transmits his mobile telephone number by way of atelephone call from his mobile telephone, and explicitly transmits themobile telephone number of P, as well as the amount to be paid, by wayof DTMF tone transmission to a processing unit (PS). (A telephoneconnection between R and PS remains established until the final step).The processing unit then examines whether P is an authorized participantand whether the credit rating of P is sufficient for payment of theamount in question. The PS then initiates a call to the mobile telephonenumber of P. P accepts the call. A voice computer of the PS generates anacoustic message with the payment information (recipient, amountpayable). To confirm and authorize the payment, P enters a PIN codeusing DTMF tone transmission. Upon successful authorization, the PSacoustically transmits to R a confirmation of payment via the stilloperative telephone connection.

The disadvantages of the Paybox method are above all the hightelecommunications costs and the protracted duration of the transaction.

In the Paybox method the call from R to PS and the transmission of thedata takes approx. 30 seconds. Of approximately the same length is thefollowing call of PS to P including the announcement of the paymentdetails and retrieval of the authorization PIN. The connection from thefirst call remains established during the second call. Altogether,telecommunication costs for 90 seconds of mobile telephone connectionsare incurred. If the transaction is effected by way of a toll-freetelephone number and the operator of the PS bears the telecommunicationscosts, the latter currently incurs costs of approx. 30 euro cents as aresult.

Thus, the implementation of the Paybox method is generally notcommercially viable for smaller payment transactions.

Altogether, processing a transaction with the Paybox method takesapprox. 75 seconds.

Thus, the implementation of this method in all time-critical mobilecommerce application scenarios such as e.g. payments at point-of-saleterminals in retail is very problematic.

The disadvantages of the Paybox method illustrated with this examplealso apply in a similar manner to many other type-A standard-compatiblemethods.

E.g. the time restriction remains even when alternative transmissionmethods such as SMS are used. For example, the delivery speed of an SMSis not guaranteed and can often take up to 30 seconds, in some casesconsiderably longer. Additionally, depending on the method, the timerequired to enter and send an SMS has to be considered. (The sameapplies to certain type-B future-dependent methods, e.g. the use of WAPprotocol—the time required to establish a connection, navigate and enterdata is too long for use in time-critical mobile commerce scenarios).

Another disadvantage of said type-A standard-compatible method is thatthe complete mobile telephone number of the payer and/or payee has to bedisclosed to the payer and/or payee. As a result, there is no anonymitybetween the transaction parties. The use of a telephone number alias(such as e.g. in the Paybox method) may provide a partial anonymity withrespect to the actual mobile telephone number of the participant;however, principally, the unique identity of one transaction party isknown to the other transaction party.

Another disadvantage of the use of a complete mobile telephone number ora telephone number alias is their length (generally 12 digits) and theresulting longer duration of entry and transmission, as well as theprobability of mis-types.

Yet another disadvantage of said type-A standard-compatible method isthe low degree of probative force and/or the risk of repudiation for thepayer, the payee and the operator of the processing unit. Onepossibility for increasing probative force consists in the involvementof a “trusted third party”, i.e. an additional party recognized by thepayer, the recipient and the operator of the processing unit. Thetelecommunications provider is particularly suitable to act as such anadditional party. However, records of the content of data transmittedvia an established telephone or WAP data connection, as well as of thecontent of an SMS, can generally not be kept by the telecommunicationsprovider owing to legal regulations. Thus, generally, merely thetelephone numbers of the communications partners, the time and durationof the communication as well as the amount of data transmitted arerecorded. The fact that a transaction has been processed can thusprincipally be relatively readily proven. Should, however, a disputewith regard to the amount of the authorized amount arise, probativeforce is problematic. As a consequence, it is generally necessary inmethods such as Paybox to e.g. send an SMS for confirmation purposes inorder to reduce the probability of error and avoid future complaints,thereby generating further costs.

Another disadvantage of said type-A standard-compatible method is thatit easy to make errors regarding the authorized amount. This risk arisesbecause generally the amount is actively specified by one of thetransaction parties only, and then merely passively confirmed by theother transaction party, e.g. after the amount has been displayed on themobile telephone display or announced acoustically.

A method for billing internet transactions via mobile telephone systemsis known from DE 199 46 539 A1. The association of retailer and customerin a payment gateway is accomplished using a temporary IP address of themobile telephone of the customer. This IP address is namely transmittedto the payment gateway by both customer and retailer. The disadvantageof this method is that the matching of the temporary IP address of themobile telephone subscriber with his MSISDN has to be effected via anMSISDN-IP databank, which makes the implementation of the methoddifficult, if not impossible for a payment gateway operator that isindependent of the mobile telephone provider. Another disadvantage ofthis method is that the customer has to have a WAP-capable mobilewireless device at his disposal; the method is thus a “type-Bfuture-dependent method” (see above). In addition, the establishment ofa WAP internet connection is very time-consuming, and, therefore, themethod is not suitable for most payment scenarios. Moreover, this methodhas the disadvantage that a relatively sizeable data set, namely thetemporary IP address of the mobile wireless subscriber, must betransmitted for correlating retailer and customer. Finally, correlatingthe IP addresses entering the payment gateway is complex, as a verylarge number of IP addresses may have to be compared.

Finally, a method for authorizing the payment of goods offered on theInternet is known from EP 1 081 919 A1. Here, correlating customer andprovider is effected with an authorization comparator by means of atransaction code that is generated by the provider and transmitted tothe customer. This, however, gives rise to the disadvantage that thehandling of the transaction codes, which vary for both transactionparties from transaction to transaction, is inherently complex. As aresult, the, in total, triple transmission of the transaction code (fromthe provider to the authorization comparator, from the provider to thecustomer and from the customer to the authorization comparator) ishighly prone to error. To safeguard against a transaction code error(and unintentionally “mismatching” another open transaction), or even tosafeguard against a general error e.g. with regard to the authorizedsum, a further enquiry from the authorization comparator to the customeris necessary (see column 8 lines 47-55 of the published patentapplication) before the transaction can be conducted. This renders themethod considerably slower and more expensive so that almost all of thedisadvantages of the above-mentioned Paybox method also apply to thismethod. Moreover, the generation of a reliably unique transaction codeis so complex that a special algorithm at the retailer's terminalbecomes a practical necessity, which entails a restriction to e.g.Java-capable mobile telephones. Thus, this is also one of thedisadvantageous “type-B future-dependent methods” (see above). Finally,the disadvantage also arises here that a relatively sizeable data setmust be transmitted for correlating retailer and customer while therequired examination is complex, as a very large number of transactioncodes may have to be compared.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is thus to provide a method and asystem for initiating and/or conducting a transaction that is associatedwith at least two corresponding declarations of intent, in particular apayment transaction, between at least two transaction parties via aprocessing unit, wherein at least one of the transaction parties uses aland line telephone or mobile telephone or a mobile communication devicefor transmitting data, and which solves the aforementioned problems.This means in particular that the method and the system should becapable of being implemented with all or the predominant majority ofmobile telephones/SIM-module chip cards in circulation according to thestate of the art, in mobile wireless networks with different standards,as well as with simple land line telephones and that, further, a shorttransaction duration, low transaction costs, the mutual anonymity of thetransaction parties, a low probability of error and high degree ofprobative force are provided.

According to the present invention, at least two of the transactionparties transmit data to the processing unit, while the transmission ofthe data occurs within a restricted time frame (interval). Theinitiation of the data transmission of these transaction parties isconducted actively by the transaction parties and not by the processingunit, while the data transmitted upon initiation contain features thatenable correlating the declarations of intent.

The feature of the initiation of the data transmission by thetransaction parties means that no transmission of data relevant to thetransaction from the processing unit to the transaction parties iseffected before the initial transmission of the data relevant to thetransaction from the transaction parties to the processing unit.

In the present invention, unit is understood to be a piece of technicalequipment, such as e.g. data processing equipment. Application programsthat execute the steps of the method automatically can be stored on thisequipment. In the following, the processing unit is also called computersystem. On the side of the transaction parties, land line telephones,mobile telephones and/or communication devices are envisaged for thetransmission of data. In order to conduct the method according to theinvention, it is sufficient to enter data corresponding to a declaredintention into these devices. In a payment transaction, it issufficient, for example, if the amount to be paid is entered. Theremaining data, which identify e.g. the transaction parties, can bestored on the devices and transmitted automatically to the processingunit.

In general, the method according to the invention serves the purpose ofinitiating and/or conducting a transaction that is associated with atleast two corresponding declarations of intent. The declarations ofintent can in particular be directed to the conclusion of a contract.The transaction to be initiated or conducted in this case is thus theconclusion of a contract. For example, a conventional credit cardpayment effected separately can be the object of the declaration ofintent and/or the conclusion of the contract.

The transmission of the data is effected simultaneously and within alimited time frame (interval). The duration and cost of the transactionis reduced by the simultaneous data transfer proceeding from thetransaction parties toward the processing unit. In conventional methodssuch as e.g. Paybox, a sequential data transfer generally occurs; in thecase of a payment transaction, first from the payer to the payee, thenfrom the payee to the processing unit, then from the processing unit tothe payer, then from the payer back to the processing unit, and from thelatter back to the payee.

Owing to the simultaneous and/or proximate data transfer activelyinitiated by the transaction parties towards the processing unit, only afew feature-data have to be transmitted in order to enable correlatingthe declarations of intent and, thus, of the transaction parties, forthe narrow time frame limits the size of the pool of transactions to becorrelated. By reducing the amount of data a further simplification andacceleration of the transaction is achieved while facilitating theanonymity of the transaction parties among one another.

By means of the simultaneous and/or proximate data transmission anincrease in the security against repudiation is further achieved, as,unlike methods in which a transaction can be initiated or generated byone party alone, the active and simultaneous participation of twotransaction parties is required. This also leads to greater securityagainst unintentionally generating a transaction or unintentionallygenerating the same transaction twice.

The time interval for the transmission of the data depends on thetransaction and devices used for this purpose as well as the number ofdata arriving at the processing unit per unit of time. The length of thetime interval can be, for example, 5 minutes; preferably, it is shorter.If the transaction is initiated by means of two mobile telephones, thetime interval is e.g. in the range of 10 and 30 seconds, preferably 20seconds.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe invention, the data transmission of at least one of the transactionparties is effected by means of the initiation of a telephone call tothe transaction unit. Here, initiation of a telephone call designates,first, that the data transmission is initiated by the transactionparties and not by the processing unit; second, the dialing of thenumber of the processing unit, irrespective of whether or not theprocessing unit accepts the call. Different data can be transmittedalready when the number is dialed; for example, the identifier of thecaller and the identifier of the called party, as well as additionalfeatures such as post-dialing digits. A toll connection is normally onlyestablished when the call is accepted by the called party. In the caseof the initiation of a call, the call can be accepted; it does not,however, necessarily have to be.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe present invention, the transmission of at least a part of the datatransmitted by at least one of the transaction parties is effected bymeans of the telephone number digit sequence dialed when establishing atelephone call to the processing unit. For this purpose the telephonenumber digit sequence is preferably so short that it can be transmittedcompletely by the switching centres and/or transmission systems. Theimplicit transfer of the relevant data as a part of the called numberhas the advantage that it is secure, fast and easy to use. Generating apayment transaction is in fact as simple as dialing a telephone number,while the safety functions built into mobile telephones, which preventunintentional or unauthorized dialing, also protect the paymentfunction. Moreover, this embodiment has the advantage that the itemizedbill of the telecommunications provider can also act as proof of paymentor as a receipt, and that it is possible to simply integrate the paymenttransaction into the billing systems of the telecommunications provider.A further advantage of a data transmission as part of the called numberlies in the fact that—unlike DTMF tone transmission—visual verification(before sending the data) using the display of the mobile telephone ispossible. Moreover, this type of transmission is considerably less proneto error than DTMF tones, which often lead to problems in cases of poorwireless connections. In any case, any number of transmission methodsare conceivable for transferring data either from the transactionparties to the processing unit or from the processing unit to thetransaction parties; the scope of this invention includes these as well.The methods of transmission can be implemented either entirely orpartially as an alternative or as a complement to the methods describedabove. In the case of a payment transaction, for example, thetransmission of the amount, a PIN, a customer number, a paymentcorrelation reference code or other information can be effected with oneor several alternative methods.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe present invention, the data transmitted by one transaction party arejust sufficient to enable the identification of this transaction party,yet not sufficient to enable the identification of the other transactionparty.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe present invention, the data transmitted by the transaction partiesto the processing unit are associated with one another in accordancewith a set rule.

In the method according to the present invention it is enough if Party Areveals, for example, only the last n digits of his mobile telephonenumber, i.e. only a part of his phone number. Party B then transmits hisown mobile telephone number and said n digits to the processing unit.Simultaneously, Party A transfers only his own mobile telephone numberto the processing unit. As a result of the narrow time frame, the poolof transactions to be correlated is so small that the n digits aresufficient for the correlating. (The n digits that Party B transmits arenot sufficient to identify Party A; moreover, the n digits areassociated with the mobile telephone number of Party A in accordancewith a set rule). Alternatively, the method can operate in such a waythat both Parties A and B reveal e.g. the last n and/or m digits oftheir respective telephone numbers to each other. In the Paybox methodillustrated above, which does not work with a simultaneous transmission,Party A must reveal his entire mobile telephone number or a unique aliasto Party B in order to enable unique addressing.

By means of these features the anonymity of the transaction partiesbetween each other is safeguarded while correlating capability ismaintained. The transaction parties are, however, clearly identified tothe processing unit, which opens up the principle possibility, e.g. in adispute, and with the consent of the transaction parties, of mediatingbetween the latter and establishing contact between them.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe present invention, the data transmitted by the transaction partiesto the processing unit contain the essential part of the contents of therespective declarations of intent and/or a digital digest (hash value)of the contents of the declarations of intent and/or a clear reference,if necessary, to the contents of the respective declarations of intentrecorded elsewhere.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe present invention, a verification unit, which is comprised by orconnected to the processing unit, examines whether or not correlatingthe transaction parties is possible on the basis of the transmitteddata. In a payment transaction, this also involves an examination ofwhether or not the respective declarations of intent correspond.

According to a further improvement of the method according to thepresent invention, the data transmission from the transaction parties tothe processing unit is conducted via mobile telephones, and informationon the locations of the mobile telephones is also transmitted during thetransmission of data. This information is used as an additionalcriterion of correlation. This improvement is advantageous inimplementation scenarios in which a spatial proximity exists betweenpayer and payee. In this case, the information on the location of thetransaction parties can be used as an additional criterion in order tofacilitate correlating the transaction parties on the basis of the datasets in the transaction pool. The notion “location-dependent services”comprises methods in which location information of mobile telephoneusers can be transmitted and evaluated.

According to a refinement of the method according to the presentinvention, the processing unit can request the entry of additionalfeatures, e.g. can ask the payer via an IVR system (Interactive VoiceResponse) to enter the last four digits of the mobile telephone numberof the recipient, in the rare cases in which a unique correlation is notpossible owing to the presence of several data sets with correspondingcriteria.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe present invention, a transaction unit that is comprised by orconnected to the processing unit is provided. The transaction unitexamines whether it is possible to conduct the payment transaction. Incases of positive verification the transaction is conducted.

According to a refinement of the method according to the presentinvention, the transaction to be initiated or conducted furthercomprises at least the documentation of the conclusion of a contract,i.e. e.g. the storage of data relating to the transaction.

Furthermore, embodiments of the method in which a telephone connectionis established between both transaction parties (provided that bothtransaction parties are using a land line telephone or mobile telephone)are also possible. This variant makes sense in particular when e.g. apayment transaction for a telephone consultation or the like is effectedand the service is rendered immediately via the established telephoneconnection. For cases in which e.g. a payment transaction between thetransaction parties is to be effected via mobile telephones over theexisting mobile telephone connection, the method could be modified insuch a way that the transmission of the amount to be paid and the lastfour digits of the mobile telephone number of the payer is effected bymeans of DTMF tones, which are emitted during the connection by thetransaction parties. In this case, the DTMF tones could be filtered outby the switching centre and relayed to the processing unit, or atemporary telephone connection between the transaction parties and theprocessing unit could be initiated.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe invention, a signaling unit that can be comprised by or connected tothe processing unit is provided. In cases of negative verification bythe verification unit, the signaling unit sends an error message to bothparties. This can be effected e.g. through the acceptance of the callsand acoustic announcement. The signals triggered by the signaling unitand/or data transmitted by the signaling unit can allow the transactionparties to draw inferences in particular with regard to the status ofthe transactions being processed by the transaction unit (as well aswith regard to the results of the verification unit).

In general, the signaling unit transmits data signaling that thetransaction has been conducted to at least one of the transactionparties after completion of the transaction.

These signals are advantageously effected as follows:

After both calls have arrived at the processing unit, all verificationand processing steps are first conducted by the verification unit andtransaction unit. During this time the calls are not accepted by theprocessing unit, i.e. a call connected signal is signalled to thetransaction parties at first, thereby advantageously reducing thetelecommunications costs.

Further, both calls can be accepted by the processing unit once a finalstatus has been attained (i.e. there is an error or all preliminaryverification steps prior to the conducting of the payment are complete).If an error has occurred, a short announcement with the cause of theerror (e.g. “limit for single payment exceeded” or “corresponding payeenot found”) is made, with the processing unit then immediately hangingup. If the payment can be conducted, a longer announcement (e.g.“payment of EUR 23.50 effected now”) is made, followed by an acousticsignal and then an optional announcement of account balance. Thisembodiment has the following advantage: unsuccessful transactions alwaysentail a connection duration of e.g. 5 seconds or less; only successfultransactions entail a connection duration of e.g. 10 seconds or longer.

Moreover, embodiments of the method in which signaling is generallyeffected by initiation of a call-back to at least one of the transactionparties are possible. This variant has the advantage that records forthe conducted transactions are listed also on the itemized bills of theoperator of the signaling unit and/or processing unit. This variantusing a call-back can in turn be designed in such a way that theintervals between different call connect signals and/or call disconnectsignals are of various length. This way, e.g. the call-back can beeffected after 10 seconds in the case of a successful transaction and 20seconds in the case of an unsuccessful transaction, or the call-back canbe effected immediately in both cases and a longer announcement (priorto disconnection by the signaling unit and/or processing unit) can bemade in the case of a successful transaction than would occur in thecase of an unsuccessful transaction.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe invention, it is also possible to design a variant using a call-backin which signaling is effected through the generation and transmittal ofa special caller ID telephone number (ANI) by the processing unit wheninitiating the call-back, this ANI permitting inferences regarding theresults of the verification unit and/or status of the transaction beingconducted by the transaction unit.

Furthermore, the variant using a call-back and, optionally, a specialcaller ID telephone number can advantageously be designed in such amanner that the calls-back initiated by the processing unit are onlysignaled on the telecommunications devices of the transaction parties,but not accepted by them. This embodiment is advantageous in thattheoretically no telecommunications costs are incurred at all.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe invention, the emission of the acoustic signal described aboveand/or signals to both parties is effected exactly synchronously andadditionally, in particular, precisely at the moment that the actualpayment transaction is logically effected (expressed incomputer-technical language: at the moment the “commit” of thetransaction is effected, which represents the actual paymenttransaction). This way, the probability of scenarios in which no clearindication of the success or status of the transaction can be made toone or all transaction parties is reduced. (Such scenarios can e.g.occur when the telecommunications connection is severed during theprocessing of the transaction.)

The embodiment that the duration of a connection of a successfultransaction is longer than that of an unsuccessful transaction has theadvantage that the transaction is broken off if one of the transactionparties hangs up prematurely, and the “commit” of the actual paymenttransaction is not executed. This way manipulation by hanging upprematurely, with the effect described above on the itemized bill, isprecluded. (Such a manipulation would be possible if a long connectionduration were an indication of an unsuccessful, and a short connectionduration an indication of a successful transaction.)

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe invention, signaling is effected by means of the acceptance of thecall by the processing unit by picking up, or the processing unit doesnot accept the call while a call connected signal is signaled, or a busysignal or other signal is signaled, or by means of intervals of variouslength between the different call connect signals and/or call disconnectsignals. For example, the method could work in such a way that a triplecall connected signal is generated in case of a successful transactionbefore the busy signal sounds, whereas a busy signal sounds immediatelyafter the call connected signal in case of an unsuccessful transaction.This embodiment has the advantage that theoretically notelecommunications costs whatsoever are incurred.

Furthermore, the method could work, for example, in such a way thatsignaling is effected either alternatively to or in combination with thecall connected or busy signals via other toll-free announcements such ase.g. “The number you have dialed is not in service” or special toll-freemessages to be introduced.

Also, the probability of complaints, as well as the general risk ofmisuse, can be reduced in the method according to the invention in allbilling variants by transmitting information on previous transactions tothe transaction parties in combination with the signaling of successfultransactions. This means e.g. that a short announcement of the balanceof the “stored value account” and/or the aggregate sum of individualtransactions effected since the most recent billing can be made.Security is additionally increased through the announcement of the dataand amount of the most recent transaction.

If both transaction parties are using a telephone and/or mobiletelephone, the transmission of data and/or signals can be entirely orpartially effected by multi-frequency tones (DTMF) and/or IVR systems(Interactive Voice Response) and/or via speech recognition systemsand/or by speech and/or via SMS short messages and/or via the USSDprotocol (Unstructured Supplementary Services Data) and/or via a WAPprotocol (Wireless Application Protocol) and/or via the GPRS protocol(GSM Packet Radio Service) of the GMS standard and/or a comparableprotocol of another mobile wireless standard and/or via an i-modeprotocol and/or by using a Java and/or SIM-application-toolkitapplication and/or by using a Bluetooth interface and/or an infraredinterface. A disadvantage of the use of DTMF tones, IVR systems, speechrecognition systems, speech and SMS messages is the longer processingduration in comparison with the data transmission as part of the callednumber of a telephone call. A disadvantage of the use of a USSD protocolis the different implementation of status messages in different enddevices and the fact that USSD (in the variant of USSD stage 2) is notsupported by all mobile wireless network operators, as well as the factthat implementation by a provider independent of a mobile wirelessnetwork operator is not always possible. A disadvantage of using WAP,GPRS, i-mode, Java, SIM application toolkit and similar methods is thatthey—unless an exchange of end devices is effected and, optionally, themobile wireless network operator or rates are changed—can only be usedby a relatively small or very small part of mobile wireless users.

If only one of the transaction parties is using a telephone and/ormobile telephone, the transmission of data and/or signals can beentirely or partially effected via a computer network and/or via theInternet and/or by e-mail and/or via invoking a web service and/or byusing an HTTP and/or XML protocol and/or by using a Bluetooth interfaceand/or an infrared interface and/or a wireless LAN and/or via a digitalor analog modem and/or by means of some other transmission method.

The method according to the invention relates in particular to paymenttransactions. Here, the declarations of intent are generally at leastdirected to conducting a payment transaction associated with money orvalue units. Value units can be e.g. or in particular bonus points indiscount systems, “status miles” or the like. Advantageously, bonuspoints and the like can be debited or credited in parallel to paymenttransactions associated with monetary units. The transaction in thesecases consists at least in the instigation or conducting of atransaction associated with money or value units. The transaction unitthen processes the payment transactions associated with money or valueunits. Subsequent processing of the payment transaction by thetransaction unit can be effected by means of authentication and/oraggregation and/or a simultaneous or delayed, online or offline relay toother processing units. For example, single transactions can becollected on the side of the payer and/or payee and only debited orcredited as a lump sum from or to a bank or credit card account on amonthly basis. In this case, the collective orders are sent to banks orcredit card companies as further processing units. Alternatively, singletransactions (especially of larger amounts) can be simultaneouslyrelayed to a credit card company for online authorization.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe invention, in the case of a payment transaction, the transmitteddata contain the amount to be paid in money or value units. Bytransferring the relevant data twice, the probability of error isdecreased, while probative force is increased. In conventional methods,the amount is generally actively indicated by only one of thetransaction parties and passively confirmed by the other transactionparty, i.e. after the amount has been displayed on the mobile telephonedisplay or announced acoustically. As a result, errors regarding theauthorized amount are likely. It can thus occur e.g. in the Payboxmethod that the merely acoustically announced amount is not understoodor misunderstood owing to a poor wireless connection or backgroundnoise. Furthermore, through the sharing of common information in theform of the amount, as well as through the double indication of thisamount, a kind of attestation is effected by both transaction parties.Thus, an additional increase in security against repudiation isprovided.

According to a refinement of the method according to the invention, apayment correlation reference code that enables or facilitates uniquelycorrelating the transaction parties is additionally transmitted.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to theinvention, the amount to be paid could be transmitted as an encodeddigit sequence instead of as plain text, and/or could be supplementedwith a check digit or check digit sequence.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe present invention, the specification of the amount to be paid iseffected by means of the active entry of the amount, and not by means ofthe passive confirmation of an amount displayed or announced.Advantageously, this leads to a reduction in the probability of error.

According to a refinement of the method according to the presentinvention, it is also possible to request additional features thatfacilitate a separate registration or classification of the executedtransaction for the purposes of account-keeping, e.g. by means of anannouncement such as “Press 1 for a private payment, 2 for a commercialpayment”.

According to a refinement of the method according the present invention,it is further possible to request features that facilitate theassignment of the transaction to user-specific subsidiary accounts, e.g.by entering different PINs for different users, in cases in whichseveral users are conducting transactions using a mobile or land linetelephone.

Instead of PINs, the retrieval of additional authorization features canbe effected through other methods, e.g. biometric methods such as voicesampling.

Also, distinctions regarding further processing can be made according toset criteria. For example, small amounts can be charged automatically toa “stored value account”, intermediate amounts added together andcharged to a bank account after a delay, and larger sums authorizedonline by a credit card company. Different approaches can be implementedfor storing and administering the transaction history, depending on thebilling mode. Thus e.g. transactions with smaller amounts can, in caseof complaints, be stored in the short term only or not at all, and thosewith larger amounts can be stored over longer periods of time. It isfurther possible to give the user the option of deciding for eachtransaction which billing mode he would prefer, i.e. by means of anIVR-based query (“Press 1 to have this payment charged to your creditcard, 2 to have it debited from your account”).

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe invention, e.g. the transaction can be signaled and confirmed indifferent ways depending on the amount involved. Thus, an SMS couldadditionally be sent as confirmation following a successful transactione.g. when larger amounts are involved.

According to a preferred example of the method according to the presentinvention, the transactions parties comprise a payer and/or a telephoneof the payer, and a payee and/or the telephone of a payee. The followingsteps are conducted:

-   a) the payer initiates a telephone call to the processing unit, the    dialed telephone number containing a digit sequence corresponding to    the amount to be paid,-   b) simultaneously with or shortly before or after the call of the    payer, the payee transmits data containing the amount to be paid to    the processing unit,-   c) a verification unit examines whether the data transmitted by the    payer and payee can be uniquely correlated and whether at least the    amounts to be paid contained therein correspond,-   d) a transaction unit examines whether an identification and/or    authentication of the payer and payee is possible on the basis of    the data transmitted and/or whether it is possible to process the    payment transaction.-   e1) in case of positive verification by the verification unit and    transaction unit    -   the transaction unit conducts or initiates further processing,    -   the call of the payer is accepted by a signaling unit and,        optionally, an acoustic announcement conveying the message that        payment has been effected is made,    -   a confirmation signal as to the successful payment is        transmitted to the payee,-   e2) in case one of the preceding verification checks is negative,    the call of the payer is not accepted or accepted after a delay by    the processing unit, and/or an acoustic announcement conveying the    message that payment has not been effected is made.

According to a refinement of the method according to the presentinvention, the following steps are conducted in such a way that:

-   a) the transmission of the data of the payee to the processing unit    is also effected by means of the initiation of a telephone call to    the processing unit by the payee, the dialed telephone number    containing a digit sequence corresponding to the amount to be paid,-   b1) in case of positive verification by the verification unit and    transaction unit, the confirmation signal, following an effected    payment, is transmitted to the payee through the acceptance of the    payee's call by the signaling unit and, optionally, an acoustic    announcement conveying the message that payment has been effected is    made.-   b2) in case one of the preceding verification checks is negative,    the call of the payee is also not accepted or accepted after a    delay, and/or an acoustic announcement conveying the message that    payment has not been effected is made.

The processing unit or the transaction unit are advantageously comprisedor operated by a telecommunications provider. An advantage of theembodiment of the method illustrated above is that it is possible toeffect a very simple integration of the payment transactions into thebilling systems of the telephone or mobile telephone providers. Theprocessing of the payment transactions advantageously occurs togetherwith the billing of the telecommunications services.

The method according to the invention also results in the furtheradvantage that an itemized telephone or mobile telephone bill of thetelecommunications provider can act directly as proof of payment andreceipt without any modification. This leads to a cost reduction, as itis no longer necessary to create and send a separate invoice. An entrypertaining to a call made to the telephone number “0800-55555-2350-4567”with a duration of 11 seconds could thus act as proof of a paymentreceived for an amount of EUR 23.50, This feature of the presentinvention according to which both transaction parties initiate a call tothe processing unit has the advantage that a receipt exists for each ofthe transaction parties.

In this connection it should be noted that calls to toll-free callnumbers, which usually begin e.g. with 0800, are generally not listed onthe itemized bill of the caller. In this case, processing would have tobe effected using an alternative access number. On the other hand, theparty called, in this case the operator of the processing unit, isgenerally billed for calls to toll-free numbers so that the calls inquestion would be listed on the itemized bill of the processing unit.Thus, the itemized bill of the telecommunications provider would alsofunction as a proof of payment and receipt, however not for thetransaction parties, but rather for the operator of the processing unit.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according tothe present invention, an announcement or other signaling and/or PINquery or other query is effected in cases in which a set amount isexceeded or under other set conditions so as to confirm the transactionbefore it is conducted.

The response of the signaling unit regarding the conducted transactioncan advantageously be safeguarded against manipulation by transmitting aunique accounting reference code or a cryptographically signedconfirmation message, e.g. by e-mail or by SMS.

The method could further be realized in e.g. such a way that the call isaccepted by the processing unit by picking up exclusively in cases ofsuccessful transactions, and a call connected and/or busy signal issignaled in cases of unsuccessful transactions. This variant would havethe advantage that transactions would generally lead to entries initemized bills if (and only if) they are successful. In this variant acall-back, together with an acoustic announcement of the cause of theerror, to one or all of the transaction parties could be initiated bythe signaling unit in cases of unsuccessful transactions. Alternatively,the cause of error could be transmitted e.g. by SMS.

The system according to the present invention for initiating and/orconducting a transaction that is associated with at least twocorresponding declarations of intent, in particular a paymenttransaction, comprises a first communication device associated with afirst transaction party, a second communication device associated with asecond transaction party, and a processing unit capable of receiving thedata of the two communication devices. The processing unit comprises averification unit or is connected to a verification unit. With thelatter it is possible to examine whether correlating the transactionparties is possible on the basis of the data transmitted by thecommunication devices within a limited time frame.

Finally, according to the present invention, a computer system forinitiating and/or conducting a payment transaction is provided. Thecomputer system relates in particular to an embodiment of theaforementioned processing unit. The computer system comprises an inputfor receiving data of a first and of a second communication device, thedata containing features that permit correlating two correspondingdeclarations of intent. Connected to the input is a transaction poolmemory, which stores the data incoming within a time interval. Connectedto the transaction pool memory is a verification unit with which thedata stored in the transaction pool memory can be analyzed in such a waythat at least identifiers of a first and of a second communicationdevice and an amount to be paid can be extracted, and with which it canbe examined whether or not correlating the transaction parties ispossible on the basis of the data transmitted and whether the respectivedeclarations of intent correspond. Connected to the verification unit isa transaction unit with which the data extracted at the verificationunit can be converted into payment order data in case of positiveverification. Finally, the transaction unit is connected to an outputthrough which the payment order data can be transmitted to a paymentprocessing unit.

According to a preferred refinement of the computer system according tothe present invention, connected to the transaction unit and to theoutput is a signaling unit, with which signals pertaining to theinitiation or conducting of the payment transaction, depending on theexamination of the verification unit and/or on the transmission of thepayment order data, can be transmitted to at least one communicationdevice or other receivers.

Also, the transaction unit can comprise an account-keeping unit or canbe directly connected to an account-keeping unit. If billing is effectede.g. using a “stored value account”, i.e. a prepaid credit, settlement,i.e. conducting the payment transaction, can be conducted particularlyefficiently, quickly and without risk, as no communication connection toan external processing unit is necessary, no extensive transactionrecords have to be administered, while credit, collection andcharge-back risks are precluded.

The communications devices are in particular a land line telephoneand/or mobile telephone.

Moreover, the invention comprises a computer program with program codemeans in order to conduct all steps of the aforementioned embodiments ofthe method according to the invention when the program is executed on acomputer. Finally, the invention comprises a computer program productwith program code means that are stored on a computer-readable datamedium in order to conduct the different embodiments of the methodindicated above when the program product is executed on a computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, embodiments of the method according to the presentinvention are illustrated with reference to the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a diagram illustrating the first embodiment of the methodaccording to the present invention,

FIG. 2 shows a diagram illustrating the second embodiment of the methodaccording to the present invention,

FIG. 3 shows a diagram illustrating the fourth embodiment of the methodaccording to the present invention,

FIG. 4 shows a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the systemaccording to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The first embodiment is illustrated with reference to FIG. 1:

The transaction parties comprise a payer 1 (and/or a communicationdevice of the payer) and a payee 2 (and/or a communication device of thepayee). The payer 1 initiates a telephone call 5 to the processing unit3, the telephone number dialed containing a digit sequence 7corresponding to the amount to be paid. Simultaneously with or shortlybefore or after the call of the payer, the payee 2 transmits datacontaining the amount to be paid 7 to the processing unit 3. The timeinterval lies in a range between 10 and 30 seconds, and is e.g. 20seconds. The payee 2 additionally transmits a payment correlationreference code 8 to the processing unit 3, which is formed according toa set rule from the telephone number 12 of the payer 1 (e.g. consists ofthe last four digits of the telephone number of the payer). Averification unit 9 examines whether the data transmitted by payer 1 andpayee 2 can be uniquely correlated and whether at least the amounts tobe paid 7 contained therein correspond. A transaction unit 10 examines,on the basis of the data transmitted, whether it is possible to identifyand/or authenticate payer 1 and payee 2 and/or whether it is possible toprocess the payment transaction.

For this purpose it is first examined whether the numbers of theparticipants are registered in the system and authorized for use in thepayment function. In cases of negative verification, the signaling unit11 sends a corresponding error message to the respective parties. Thiscan be effected e.g. by accepting the calls and making an acousticannouncement.

In case of positive verification the transaction unit 10 examines in thenext step whether it is possible to conduct the payment. This depends inparticular on the amount involved and the credit rating of the payer. Ife.g. the current amount to be paid or an aggregate sum of amounts to bepaid exceeds a limit (that e.g. depends on the credit rating of thepayer), the transaction unit 10 can refuse to conduct and/or furtherprocess the payment, or conduct a supplementary authentication check byrequesting a further authorization feature (e.g. entry of a PIN via anIVR interface). The transaction unit 10 can generally request yet afurther confirmation (also e.g. by simply pressing a button andtransmitting a DTMF tone) in certain circumstances, e.g. when a certainamount is exceeded. Furthermore, it is e.g. also possible that incertain circumstances, such as e.g. when a certain amount is exceeded,the amount is explicitly announced once more before the transaction isconducted, and confirmation is then requested.

In case of positive verification by the verification unit 9 andtransaction unit 10, the transaction unit 10 conducts or initiates theprocessing of the payment. The call of the payer 1 is accepted by thesignaling unit 11 and, optionally, an acoustic announcement conveyingthe message that payment has been effected is made. A confirmationsignal pertaining to the successful payment is transmitted to the payee2. In case one of the preceding verification checks is negative, thecall of the payer 1 is not accepted or accepted after a delay by theprocessing unit 3, and/or an acoustic announcement conveying the messagethat payment has not been effected is made.

A further refinement of this first embodiment is as follows:

The transmission of the data of the payee 2 to the processing unit 3 isalso effected by means of the initiation of a telephone call 6 to theprocessing unit 3 by the payee. The dialed telephone number alsocontains a digit sequence 7′ corresponding to the amount to be paid, aswell as the payment correlation reference code as the digit sequence 8′,e.g. the last four digits 8 of the telephone number 12 of the caller 1.In case of positive verification by the verification unit 9 andtransaction unit 10 following a successful payment, the confirmationsignal is also transmitted to the payee 2 by means of the acceptance ofthe payee's call 6 by the signaling unit 11 and, optionally, an acousticannouncement conveying the message that payment has been effected ismade. In case one of the preceding verification checks is negative, thecall of the payee is also not accepted or accepted after a delay, and/oran acoustic announcement conveying the message that payment has not beeneffected is made.

In the following, the conducting of a payment transaction is illustratedwith a detailed example:

Party A (1), who has a mobile telephone with the mobile telephone number0171-1234567 (12), would like to pay the amount of EUR 23.50 (7) toParty B (2), who has the mobile telephone with the mobile telephonenumber 0171-9876543 (13). For this purpose Party A discloses the lastfour digits of his mobile telephone number (8), thus “4567” (4), toParty B. Using his mobile telephone, A dials the number 0800-55555-2350(5). Practically simultaneously and using his mobile telephone, B dialsthe number 0800-55555-2350-4567 (6). If the payment is conductedsuccessfully, the calls are accepted, and A and B receive a shortacoustic announcement “Payment effected”.

The method can also be designed in such a way that it is not the payerwho discloses the last four digits of his mobile telephone number to thepayee, while the payee transfers these—as part of the called number—tothe processing unit, but rather the other way around, i.e. in such a waythat the payee discloses the last four digits of his mobile telephonenumber to the payer, and the payer transmits these—as part of the callednumber—to the processing unit.

Both variants can be combined, i.e. the payer and payee mutuallydisclose the last two digits of their respective mobile telephonenumbers, and each transmits the two digits received from the otherparty—as part of the called number—to the processing unit.

This could be carried out as follows: A discloses the digits “67” to B,B discloses the digits “43” to A. A dials “0800-55555-2350-43”, B dials“0800-66666-2350-67”. In this case, the dialing of the different maintelephone numbers, “0800-55555” as opposed to “0800-66666”, by thetransaction parties is necessary to distinguish payer from payee.Otherwise, the method operates analogously.

In detail, the processing unit and other units work as follows:

The processing unit 3 can be reached at the main telephone number0800-55555. At first the incoming calls are registered by the processingunit 3. Advantageously, the mobile telephone numbers 12 and 13 of thecallers (MSISDN and/or ANI) are automatically transmitted with theincoming calls. The significant parts “2350” (7) and/or “23504567” (7′and 8′) are extracted from the dialed telephone numbers (DNIS). Fromthese the processing unit derives the transaction data sets (participantnumber=0171-1234567; function=send; amount=23.50;sender-identifier=4567) as well as (participant number=0171-9876543,function=receive; amount 23.50; sender identifier=4567). The transactiondata sets are put into a transaction pool of transactions to becorrelated. Those data sets for which no other correlatable data set wasfound within the time interval, for example, within 20 seconds, aredeleted from the transaction pool.

The verification unit 9, which is comprised by or connected to theprocessing unit 3, examines whether it possible to correlate thetransaction parties 1 and 2 on the basis of the transmitted data. In thecurrent example of a payment transaction this involves an examination ofwhether the respective declarations of intent correspond. This isaccomplished by way of a comparison of the data sets in the transactionpool with regard to matching fields “amount” and “sender-identifier” (7and 8 compared with 7′ and 8′). As the supplementary criterion ofpractical simultaneity keeps the transaction pool very small at alltimes, it is very probable even in cases of a heavy transaction loadthat correlating is possible on the basis of the criteria “amount” and“sender identifier” alone.

In the rare cases in which a unique correlation is not possible becauseseveral data sets with corresponding criteria are present in thetransaction pool, the processing unit will request the entry ofadditional features, e.g. will ask the payer 1 via an IVR system(Interactive Voice Response) to enter the last four digits of the mobiletelephone number of the recipient.

In the first example illustrated above, it was assumed that the mobiletelephone numbers of the callers (MSISDN and/or ANI) are transmittedautomatically, which simplifies processing and brings about protectionagainst misuse. This transmission can be achieved e.g. with a specialset-up of the telecommunications provider on the side of the processingunit, which makes it possible to display those caller IDs which areusually suppressed. This has the advantage that callers with standardcaller ID suppression can also use the system without changing thepresentation mode every time.

Alternatively, the method can be designed in such a way that theretrieval of identification features (e.g. the mobile telephone numberin combination with a PIN or a free customer number not correlated witha mobile telephone number) is effected by means of an IVR system incases of calls from mobile telephone numbers with suppressed caller ID.The embodiment of free customer numbers that are not linked to a mobiletelephone number offers the users of the system the option of realizingadditional anonymity vis-à-vis the processing unit.

In the following, a second embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 2 in an e-commerce scenario, in which a payment transaction, inwhich a payer effects a payment to e.g. a goods and services provider,is conducted via the Internet.

The payer with the mobile telephone number 0171-1234567 enters the lastfour digits 8 of his mobile telephone number, thus “4567”, on the webpage 14 of the provider on which the amount to be paid, e.g. EUR 23.50,is displayed, and simultaneously dials the number “0800-55555-2350” onhis mobile telephone 1. In principle the processing of the method iseffected analogously to the first embodiment illustrated above, with thedifference that the data transmission from the computer system of theprovider to the processing unit 3 occurs e.g. via an HTTP request 15 orthe invoking of a web service. During this step the computer system ofthe provider transmits an identifier of its identity 13, the amount 7′as well as the last four digits 8′ of the mobile telephone number 12 ofthe payer. The return signal from the signaling unit to the computersystem of the provider can, in turn, occur via an HTTP response or thereturn value of the web service. Advantageously, the data transmissionbetween the computer system and the processing unit 3 and/or thesignaling unit 11 is additionally secured by cryptographic methods.

The following describes a third embodiment for conducting anddocumenting the conclusion of a contract, combined with the conductingof a payment transaction. Principally, the third embodiment worksanalogously to the e-commerce scenario of the second embodimentdescribed above. It relates to a payment transaction in the Internet inwhich a payer conducts a payment to e.g. a goods and services provider.In this example, however, in addition to a simple payment from the payerto the provider, a sale or service agreement between the provider andthe payer is to be completed and documented. The payer is thusdesignated as the payer/buyer in the following.

For this purpose a digital digest of the content of the contract ismade, e.g. by means of a hash algorithm such as MD5. The digital digestcan e.g. consist of a cross sum or check sum or a part of credit cardnumber, or contain the so-called CVC code complementarily correlatedwith the credit card number. The digital copy is advantageously reducedto a relatively short, e.g. six-digit sequence (e.g. “141516”). Thissix-digit sequence is indicated to the payer/buyer on the web pageand/or sent to the payer/buyer e.g. by e-mail.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the content of the agreement can bestored and recorded permanently by e.g. sending an e-mail with the termsof the agreement to the payer/buyer, the e-mail containing a referencenumber of the agreement. The reference number can also consist of e.g. asix-digit sequence (e.g. “949596”) and advantageously include the date,time and other data.

In this scenario, which deviates here from the e-commerce scenariodescribed above, the payer/buyer now also transmits (in addition to theamount) the reference number to the processing unit, e.g. by dialing thetelephone number (“0800-55555-2350”) extended by said six digits, thus“0800-55555-2350-949596”.

Alternatively, the digital digest can be also be transmitted e.g. aspart of the called number by dialing “0800-55555-2350-141516”.

Alternatively, both the digital copy and the reference number can betransmitted.

Alternatively, the transmission of the amount to be paid is notrequired.

Alternatively, the part of the described method specific to payment canbe left out and the method used solely for conducting and/or documentingthe completion of an agreement. For example, payment can be effectedwith a conventional credit card, and the credit card payment includingthe credit card data can be part of the completed agreement.

All data can also be entirely or partially transmitted by DTMF tones orby SMS or another method.

A high degree of security with regard to the documentation andprovableness of the completed agreement is achieved with the illustratedembodiments of the method. By transmitting the data of the digitaldigest and/or the reference number, in parallel to via the Internet, viathe mobile telephone of the user, the data are, all in all, safeguardedagainst manipulation in the Internet.

In addition, the system-immanent security advantages of the use ofmobile telephones for e-commerce and/or m-commerce transactions knownaccording to the state of the art are brought to bear (possession and/orphysical access to a mobile telephone, security through SIM card PINand/or device PIN).

Moreover, the receipt function of the itemized bill of thetelecommunications provider described above can be utilized (providedthe data is transmitted as part of the call number).

In the method an implementation of billing functionality can be effectede.g. simply by directly billing the call with which the paymenttransaction is executed with the amount contained in the telephonenumber, provided the duration of the connection is longer than e.g. 10seconds. A connection to the call number 0800-55555-2350 with a durationof e.g. 11 seconds would then be charged with an amount of EUR 23.50,while a connection to call number 0800-55555-2350-4567 with a durationof e.g. 11 seconds would be credited with an amount of EUR 23.50. Thisfunctionality could be implemented with minimal software updates in thebilling systems. Merely a few technical upgrades and interfaces wouldhave to be put in place. Advantageously, the method works in asymmetrical fashion for payer and recipient alike - unlike conventionalmethods, in which the systems and interfaces employed on the side of therecipient are different from those used on the side of the payer.

In the following, a fourth embodiment is illustrated with reference toFIG. 3. This example relates to an implementation variant particularlysuitable for use in POS (point-of-sale) terminals, which, instead of anInternet connection, generally only have access to land line telephoneconnections for the communication of credit card terminals or comparabledevices with an authorization centre.

The customer discloses the last four digits 8 of his mobile telephonenumber 12 to the cashier. The cashier enters said four digits 8 into acash register or a credit card terminal 16 or comparable device (called“terminal” in the following), which transfers it to a connected orintegrated land line or mobile wireless modem, which initiates atelephone call to the processing unit, dialing the telephone number“0800-55555-2350-4567”, as in the first embodiment. If the methodvariant of the first embodiment described above using a minimum durationof the connection as an indicator of a successful transaction is used,then a verification that the modem connection existed for longer thanthe minimum duration is principally sufficient for the terminal toascertain whether or not the payment was successful. This way theprocessing of the method can be accelerated considerably vis-à-visprotocols in which the time-consuming establishment of a modem protocolconnection is effected. This also results in a reduction of thetelecommunications costs. A detailed response from the processing unitto the point of sale is generally not necessary in cases of error, asthe payer and/or customer receives acoustic feedback on the cause of theerror.

In the following, variants are described that can be implemented inconjunction with the above embodiments:

As already described above, in cases in which the data transmission tothe processing unit 3 is effected via mobile telephone calls, the methodis designed in such a way that a part of the processing steps arealready executed before the call is accepted by the processing unit,and, further, in such a way that the duration of a connection of asuccessful transaction differs from that of an unsuccessful transaction.

Finally, the first embodiment illustrated above could be modified asfollows: instead of the signaling of a call connected signal during theprocessing of the transaction, the calls of the payer and payee,directly after their arrival at the processing unit, are rejected by theprocessing unit by means of a special signaling message to the switchingcentre, by means of which e.g. a busy signal sounds at the payer's andthe payee's end. A few seconds later, the payer and recipient receive anincoming call from the signaling unit, while the caller ID generated bythe signaling unit has the special telephone number (ANI)“0800-55555-2350” if payment has been effected, and/or “0800-55555-0000”if the payment could not be conducted. The payer and recipient can thussee from the caller ID shown on the display whether or not the paymentwas successful. Advantageously, the entry remains stored on the callerlist of the mobile telephone, which facilitates verification again at alater point in time. An advantage of this variant as opposed tosignaling by sending an SMS is the faster and guaranteed short durationof transmission.

Furthermore, embodiments of the method are possible in which a telephoneconnection is established between the two transaction parties (providedboth transaction parties are using a land line telephone or mobiletelephone). This variant is particularly suitable when e.g. a paymenttransaction for a telephone consultation or the like is effected and theservice is rendered immediately via the established telephoneconnection.

In cases in which a payment transaction is to be effected e.g. over anestablished mobile telephone connection between the transaction partiesusing mobile telephones, the method described in the first embodimentcould be modified in such a way that the transmission of the amount tobe paid and the last four digits of the mobile telephone number of thepayer is effected by means of DTMF tones emitted via the connection bythe transaction parties. In this case the DTMF tones could be filteredout by the switching centre and relayed to the processing unit, or atemporary telephone connection between the transaction parties and theprocessing unit could be initiated.

In the following, an embodiment of the computer system and/or processingunit is described with reference to FIG. 4.

As already illustrated in the first embodiment, the mobile telephones 1and 2 of a payer and of a payee transmit contemporaneously the telephonecalls 5 and 6 to the computer system. The telephone numbers used whendialing contain the amount 7 and/or 7′ for the payment transaction.Further, one telephone number contains a reference 8′ to the telephonenumber of the other party.

The computer system is, for example, integrated in a system of thetelecommunications provider. It is provided with an input 18, which canrecord the dialed numbers of incoming calls without having to accept thecalls 5 and 6 immediately. The input 18 relays these data into thetransaction pool memory 19. Connected with the transaction pool memory19 is a verification unit 9. When a data set arrives, the verificationunit examines whether another data set of the transaction pool memory 19can be correlated with this data set. For this purpose it extracts froma call at least the identifier of the caller who made the call and fromthe dialed number the amount to be paid as well as, optionally, thepayment correlation reference code 8′. The verification unit 9 thenexamines whether the identifiers of the telephones via which the calls 5and 6 were made are stored in a database of the computer system. Usingthe databank, the computer system can obtain a link to registered usersand their data for the payment transaction. For example, bank accountdetails or credit card numbers can be ascertained for the users.Moreover, the verification unit 9 examines whether the declarations ofintent contained in the calls correspond. In the present example, theverification unit 9 examines whether the payment correlation code 8′actually corresponds to the last four digits of the telephone number ofthe other call 5. If all verification checks are positive, theverification unit 9 transmits the data to the transaction unit 10connected to it, and the data sets are removed from the transaction poolmemory 19.

If no other data capable of being correlated with an incoming data setare found in the transaction pool memory 19, then all data sets thathave been contained in the transaction pool memory 19 for longer thanthe stipulated interval are deleted from the transaction pool memory 19.The transaction pool memory 19 thus comprises a database, in whichcontemporaneously incoming calls are stored, and with which incomingdata sets can be examined so as to ascertain whether or not data setscan be correlated to one another.

The transaction unit 10 can convert these data into payment order data21. These are, for example, instructions relating to the debiting of anaccount of the payer, as well as, in parallel, to the transfer of acertain amount to an account of the payee. The transaction unit 10transmits the payment order data 21 in this case, for example, via aninterne connection to the bank of the processing unit and/or the banksof the payer and the payee. For this purpose an output 20 is provided.

Moreover, a signal unit 11 can be connected to the transaction unit 10and to the output 20. In cases in which payment order data 21 have beentransmitted, the signaling unit 11 emits signals 22 pertaining to theinitiation of the payment transaction to the telephone 1 of the payerand/or to the telephone 2 of the payee. Further, the signals 22 can besent to other recipients; for example, stored e-mail addresses of thepayer and payee. Finally, the signaling unit 11 can also send signals 22pertaining to an unsuccessful transaction. Moreover, the signals 22 canalso be sent upon positive verification of the verification unit 9. Thesignals 22 can be effected as illustrated with reference to the firstembodiment.

Thus, for the payment transaction with the computer system, there areonly two entries to be conducted on the part of the payer and of thepayee; the payer discloses a part of his telephone number to the payee,who activates the payment application on his mobile telephone 2 andenters this part 8 of the telephone number into his mobile telephone 2.Thereupon the payer also activates the payment transaction applicationon his mobile telephone 1. Both parties then enter the amount to be paid7 and/or 7′ in the application of the mobile telephones 1, 2 and more orless simultaneously press a button for the initiation of the paymenttransaction. The applications on the mobile telephones 1 and 2 thenautomatically generate the telephone numbers 5 and 6 and send these tothe computer system. The computer system then initiates the paymenttransaction by transmitting the payment order data 21 to the bank of thepayer. Furthermore, the payment transaction is documented by thecomputer system.

1. Method for initiating and/or conducting a transaction that isassociated with at least two corresponding declarations of intent, inparticular a payment transaction, between at least two transactionparties via a processing unit, in which method each of the transactionparties uses a mobile telephone for transmitting data, wherein a) atleast two of the transaction parties transmit respective data sets tothe processing unit, the transmission of the data sets being effectedwithin a time frame, of predefined length and b) the initiation of thetransmission of the data sets of these transaction parties is carriedout actively by the transaction parties and not by the processing unit,the data sets transmitted during initiation containing features thatenable correlating the declarations of intent, wherein information onthe locations of the respective mobile telephones is also transmitted tothe processing unit, and said information is used as an additionalcorrelation criterion.
 2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the datasets transmitted from at least two of the transaction parties to theprocessing unit are associated with one another in accordance with a setrule.
 3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the processing unitcomprises a verification unit or is connected to a verification unit,which examines after the transmission of the data sets whether or notcorrelating the transaction parties is possible on the basis of therespective data sets transmitted.
 4. Method according to claim 3,wherein the processing unit comprises a transaction unit or is connectedto this transaction unit, which conducts the transaction correlated withthe data after positive verification by the verification unit.
 5. Methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the processing unit comprises a signalingunit or is connected to a signaling unit, which triggers signals and/ortransmits data to the transaction parties or to other recipients. 6.Method according to claim 5, wherein the successful completion of thetransaction or some other status is signaled to the transaction partiessynchronously by means of an acoustic signal.
 7. Method according toclaim 1, wherein the declarations of intent are directed to at least theconducting of a payment transaction associated with monetary or valueunits.
 8. Method according to claim 1, wherein the transaction consistsof at least the initiation or conducting of a payment transactionassociated with money or value units.
 9. Method according to claim 8,wherein the transmitted data of both transaction parties contain theamount of money or value units to be paid.
 10. Method according to claim1, wherein a correlation reference code that enables uniquelycorrelating the transaction parties is additionally transmitted. 11.System for initiating and/or conducting a transaction associated with atleast two corresponding declarations of intent, in particular a paymenttransaction, between at least two transaction parties, said systemcomprising: a processing unit; a first mobile telephone associated witha first transaction party, said first mobile telephone transmitting afirst data set to the processing unit within a time frame of predefinedlength; a second mobile telephone associated with a second transactionparty, said second mobile telephone transmitting a second data set tothe processing unit within the time frame of predefined length; whereininitiation of the transmission of the first and second data sets iscarried out actively by the transaction parties, and the first andsecond data sets transmitted during initiation containing features thatenable correlating the declarations of intent, and wherein informationon the locations of the first and second mobile telephones is alsotransmitted to the processing unit, and said information is used as anadditional correlation criterion.
 12. System according to claim 11,wherein said processing unit comprises a verification unit or isconnected to a verification unit, which examines after the transmissionof the first and second data sets whether or not correlating thetransaction parties is possible on the basis of the first and seconddata sets transmitted.
 13. System according to claim 12, wherein theprocessing unit comprises a transaction unit or is connected to thistransaction unit, which conducts the transaction correlated with thedata after positive verification by the verification unit.
 14. Systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the processing unit comprises a signalingunit or is connected to a signaling unit, which triggers signals and/ortransmits data to the transaction parties or to other recipients.
 15. Acomputer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable programcode for conducting a method for initiating and/or conducting atransaction when the computer-executable program code is executed on acomputer, said transaction associated with at least two correspondingdeclarations of intent, in particular a payment transaction, between atleast two transaction parties via a processing unit, in which methodeach of the transaction parties uses a mobile telephone for transmittingdata, wherein a) at least two of the transaction parties transmitrespective data sets to the processing unit, the transmission of thedata sets being effected within a time frame of predefined length, andb) the initiation of the transmission of the data sets of thesetransaction parties is carried out actively by the transaction partiesand not by the processing unit, the data sets transmitted duringinitiation containing features that enable correlating the declarationsof intent, wherein information on the locations of the respective mobiletelephones is also transmitted to the processing unit, and saidinformation is used as an additional correlation criterion.